Zoe Feldman
photo by Staci Zarin Goldberg
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Pied-à-Terre in Paris
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Modern
2. Unexpected
3. Soulful
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? I am a total 90’s teenager. My parents let me design my bedroom which was amazing. I used the Ralph Lauren floral print, “Allison,” mixed with his signature stripes and gingham. Alison was everywhere, balloon shades, bedding, the window seat. It was really a classic 90’s Ralph Lauren lair :)
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? My grandmother was an art collector (and woman with all around incredible taste). I’ve been amazingly lucky to inherit loads of pieces from her including art, rugs and mid century furniture so I haven't actually had to invest in too much. I had some great investment pieces well before I could afford them! So, my investments are more like gorgeous plumbing fixtures and slabs of stone :)
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?
I’m currently obsessed with Joseph Dirand. I've also always adored Andree Putnam and Albert Hadley.
No room is complete without Art!
People think of me as, but I am really: I’m a triple taurus and with me what you see is exactly what you get.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Baby's breath and lots of the leaves
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Stinky cheese
A bar cabinet: Martini glasses-- much prefer a coup
A song for:
Dinner at home: Otis Redding: These arms of mine
Working at your desk: Regina Spektor: The Call
Going for a run: Postal Service: Such great heights
Biggest Vice? The very occasional American Spirit--ugh.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? If I'm super high...A pied a terre in Paris :) Ouch. Otherwise, a net-a-porter binge is an easy “mistake” to make.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Mostly. I tend to incorporate both vintage pieces and color into my wardrobe. But, like my interiors, the “bones” or in this case foundation of my wardrobe is classic and refined just subtly layered with unexpected moments via a handbag, shoes, a pop of the lip---you get it.
Who is your star crush? Paul Newman. Absolutely gorgeous and spent his life helping others. He was the dreamiest.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? A completely Mid Century Modern home in both architecture and design. It’s a bit too expected and “one note” for my personal taste. I prefer a bit more tension in my interiors. But I also really appreciate the vibe-it can be super sexy.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Likely a Jean-Michel Frank book that I’ve had forever. I'm pretty sure I acquired it while working for Alexa!
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I’d like to be remembered for creating classic, timeless designs that are detail oriented (efficiency and doing good) approachable, refined, and unexpected.
photo by Staci Zarin Goldberg
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Basquiat--it was directed by the fabulous Julian Schabel and the cast is filled with rock stars like David Bowie, Courtney Love, Gary Oldman, Dennis Hopper--you get the point. It's a true peek into the mind of an artist. A movie about an artist, directed by an artist--its magical.
Book: The Devil in the White City.. An incredible book that blends architecture, innovation and mystery.
Scent: Fracas my mother’s (and now my) signature perfume
The fabric you always come back to: Linen velvet, as introduced to me by you.
Dream project: A boutique hotel. I love the idea of being able to create an interior space that people experience for just moments and don't actually have to live in it. There is a freedom to that sort of design that I don't get to experience with residential spaces.
Meal: Sushi. Always sushi. Really good sushi.
Drink: Casamigos blanco tequila with soda water and tons of lime. I started drinking this during the pandemic and learned it doesn't come with a hangover. And I was sold.
Hotel: Peacock Pavilion in Marrakech
Travel Destination: Marrakech, Morocco
Artist: At the moment I’m in love with Helen Frankenthaler and Joan Mitchell. And I’m always in love with Alex Katz.
A cause near and dear to me: Ocean Clean up and Eden Forest Reforestation--we have a sustainable initiative at the office to try and help save the planet. I'm passionate about loads of causes but I’m currently focused on the planet because without that...we have nothing. I'm also very into Moms Demand Action. As a mom of small children, I’'m terrified of the gun control issues.
Thing to collect obsessively: Bed linens. I have way too many but a great bed is my happy place. I am on a mission to create the most amazing bed possible. This work will never be done.
Era in the history of design: Paris in the 30’s
Museum: Guggenheim Museums--the art and building are spectacular.
Paint Color that always looks great: Peignoir by Farrow and Ball. It’s a subtle, dusty pink that reads as a neutral. It’s calming, feminine and dense. It’s divine.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Alison Roman, she is casual and timeless but also refined and approachable. Her instagram vibe is aspirational to me--she blends the casual and refined really well. And her recipes are the bomb.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? I have an 18 year old cat, Charles who came with my husband and my girls absolutely adore. My husband is a massive animal lover so we will certainly be adopting dogs and cats for a long long time. Just waiting for the girls to get a bit older before we dive back in.
